Oregon Surfer Attacked by Shark

SEASIDE, Ore. – A man was attacked by a shark while surfing off the northern Oregon coast Saturday, authorities said.

The 30-year-old surfer, Brian Anderson, was bitten on the ankle and calf and suffered a laceration, said Joe Dotson, chief of the Seaside Fire Department.

Witnesses said Anderson was able to hit the shark on the nose and scare it away, before being carried to safety by fellow surfers.

An ambulance drove the man — who was "conscious, alert and smiling" — to Providence Seaside Hospital, Dotson said.

"There was quite a bit of blood, but he was not entered into the trauma center, so I assume he will be fine," Dotson said.

KATU-TV in Portland reported that Anderson would get treated with stitches.

Nursing supervisor Greg Bench said the surfer's condition was stable and he would be released Saturday night.

The noontime attack happened at a popular surfing spot near Tillamook Head. Witnesses told Dotson that the shark was a 10-foot great white. He said there were no signs of the shark in the hours after the bite.

"I think everybody got out of the water," Dotson said. "He didn't get seconds."

Dotson, who was been with the department for 26 years, said it's the first shark attack off Seaside in his time there. He said a more severe shark attack happened off Cannon Beach — a few miles south — 20 to 25 years ago.